Trees outside the Forest

The TREES OUTSIDE THE FOREST project (2008-2009) has raised awareness of the
potential of Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) techniques to increase on-farm
tree cover and bring multiple benefits to rural people including better cereal harvests
and more abundant firewood and fodder. A 15 minute film based on the sucessful experience
of the Barahogon associaiton in Bankass was watched by over 400 farmers & local
officials in 4 districts in the Mopti region and the message was reinforced through
local language booklets and radio programmes. In July 2009, 233 farmers in 89 villages
said they had adopted FMNR techniques, as a result of the project. Through the Web
and at conferences, the Barahogon success story has been shared with NGOs, researchers,
policy makers & donors working on climate change and sustainable land management
in the Sahel. After watching the film the Malian Forest Directorate took part in
a televised debate alongside Sahel Eco and the National Farmers Federation, publicly
acknowledging the achievements of the Barahogon for the first time.

However, whilst initial results are encouraging, the total number of farmers
in Mali who actively manage their own farm trees, remains low. Much work remains
to be done over the next few years to promote widespread and sustainable adoption
of FMNR and help impoverished rural communities to improve food securinty, reduce
poverty and adapt to climate change.